Commercial Applicators – Anyone who applies any pesticides, including general-use pesticides, for hire.
Commercial Operator/Technicians – Employees of Commercial Applicators who applies any pesticides.
Private Applicators – Farmers and ranchers who use restricted-use pesticides in their agricultural production.
Public Applicators – Employees of governmental entities whose job duties include pesticide applications (weed control, vector control, etc.). Are individuals who work for a government agency and whose duties include applying pesticides. Public Applicators are not required to pay licensing fees. However, they must pass the National Core Exam and category exams that correspond to their type of pest control. To apply, complete the Public Applicator application form and pass the required exams. Applicants have 60 days to complete all the requirements, or they must re-apply and take all tests again.
Noncommercial Applicators – Property owners or managers who use restricted- use pesticides. This is only for those at their place of business (apartment complexes, building managers, store owners, etc.). Noncommercial Applicators are individuals who use pesticides only on their property or their employer’s property. Examples of noncommercial applicators are owners or managers of apartment complexes or other property, nursery growers, etc. Noncommercial Applicators must meet the same requirements as Commercial Applicators except for documenting experience and the financial responsibility requirement. To apply, complete the Noncommercial Applicator application form, pass all required exams, and pay the license fee of $100. Noncommercial Applicators may NOT apply pesticides for hire.
Pest Management Consultants – Persons who make recommendations regarding the use of restricted-use pesticides but never actually apply pesticides. Individuals who are certified to provide recommendations and advice for using restricted use pesticides. PMCs may NOT apply pesticides. Home inspectors who wish to inspect property for termites and other wood destroying pests may do so. They must be licensed as PMCs with the 7D category. Agricultural consultants and employees of pesticide dealers may also hold this license. This includes those who provide recommendations for using pesticides but never actually apply pesticides.
Public Consultants
Employees of government agencies who may give technical advice or make recommendations to users of restricted-use pesticides.
Pesticide Dealers – Businesses that sell restricted-use pesticides. Individuals who sell restricted use pesticides. A business that sells restricted use pesticides must have a Dealer license for each sales outlet in the state. Out-of-state businesses that distribute restricted use pesticides in New Mexico must license their principle out-of-state location or outlet. The completed Dealer License application form must be sent in with the $100 license fee.
Additional Programs
NPDES Permits for Pesticide Applicators
"The administration of exams for all our license types including public applicators are predominantly handled for NMDA by a third-party vendor that charge their own fees ($55 per exam) and operate in their own contracted facilities. These fees are not charged, collected, or received in any way by NMDA. Benefits to taking exams with a third-party vendor include: daily availability of exam sites around the state, online payment with credit card, graded results provided immediately after an exam has been taken, ability to sign up to re-take exams within the same or next day on vendor website for failed exams, statistics available upon request to show areas of improvement for future study.
A second option with certain conditions is available where exams can be administered by NMDA staff on an pre-arranged basis and limited to the availability of staff. NMDA fees for administering an exam ($20 per exam) are collected at the time an exam is administered and can only be paid by check or money order. Note** There is no fee for Public Applicators taking an exam administered by NMDA staff. Be aware, when exams are administered by NMDA staff exam results are not immediately available and re-taking of failed exams would need to be arranged based on availability of NMDA staff. Contact NMDA for specific directions and explanation of conditions related to this option.
Reminder: All paperwork and passing of exams must be completed within 60 days after the license application date for a license to be issued. If not completed in this timeframe, the process, including taking and passing exams must begin again."
Brad Lewis, AES Division Director
ddaes@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-646-3207